They are acclaimed Emmy Award winning TV stars, but their close bond is far from scripted. 

Debra Messing and Mariska Hargitay put on an affectionate display at the Joyful Revolution Gala in New York City on Wednesday. 

The Will & Grace actress led the charge as she embraced the Law & Order: SVU star from behind, snapped selfies and jokingly squeezed her bottom on the red carpet. 

BFFs! Debra Messing and Mariska Hargitay embraced at the Joyful Revolution Gala in New York City on Wednesday

For the event, the Smash star had on an A-line orange and white striped Cristian Siriano dress that she teamed with white open-toe heels. 

Her fiery mane rested around her shoulder and she had on a complementary makeup palette. 

Mariska looked elegant in a floor-length black gown that had a lace bodice and textured skirt.

Selfies! The Will & Grace star and the Law & Order actress have been friends for nearly nine years

Cheeky! Debra grabbed Mariska's bottom as she chatted with Ali Wentworth

Debra and Mariska began their friendship 'from a distance' in 2006 and later became much closer.

In fact, the pair shared the screen together in a 2011 episode of Law & Order: SVU when Debra took on a guest role.

'We found love, seriously about two years ago,' Mariska, 51, said of their friendship during an interview to promote the guest spot. 

She explained: 'We had this mad girl crush on each other, became friends and our sons became good friends.' 

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